Drone footage shows drug dealer fleeing officers before being caught by police dog

Watch: Drone footage shows a drug dealer fleeing police during a house raid

This is the dramatic moment a drug dealer attempted to escape officers through a window during a house raid – before he was caught by a police dog.

Dozens of officers raided a drugs den at the former Old Pear Tree Inn, in Bulwell Lane, Old Basford, Nottinghamshire, in September last year following a tip-off and seized large amounts of cocaine and cannabis stashed inside.

Drug dealer Leon Smart was spotted by drone operators clambering out of a bathroom window and running down an alleyway nearby.

Despite his attempts to hide, officers on the ground were directed to his position and, together with police dogs, chased him across the road.

Smart, 36, was seen climbing onto the roof of a parked car but was hauled to the ground by a police dog.

He was dragged off the car with large amounts of cash he was carrying spilling out onto the pavement as he was arrested.

Officers found drugs, a taser and bundles of cash during the raid of the historic former pub.

The Grade II-listed pub, which first opened 140 years ago, closed permanently in 2021 but was taken over by drug dealers months later.

Smart, of Deptford, London, admitted possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possessing a prohibited weapon.

He was jailed for nine years when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday.

Sergeant Steve Willetts, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We will never hesitate to follow up reports of drug activity we receive and will act robustly to shut down any drugs operations being run within our communities because we understand the devastation they can cause.

“This was a great example of several of our teams, including the drone unit and police dog section, working together to ensure a criminal couldn’t escape.

“As Smart found out to his cost, you can run but you can’t hide from the police, with the footage filmed by the drone showcasing how officers effectively communicate with one another to close in on a target.

“I’m pleased to see Smart is now facing up to the consequences of his actions and I hope he uses his time in prison to change his life for the better.”